Branson, MO to Host 2017 Cal Ripken Major/70 World Series

12/15/2016

HAMILTON TOWNSHIP, NJ…Babe Ruth League, Inc. International Headquarters has announced that in 2017 the All-American city of Branson, Missouri, will host the Cal Ripken Major/70 World Series. All games will be played at Ballparks of America, Branson.

Babe Ruth League, Inc., the Branson Convention & Visitors Bureau, and Ballparks of America, Branson, are teaming up to put together a big-league experience for the best 12-year-old baseball players in the world.

The 2017 Babe Ruth League tournament trail will test the mettle of every team in the Cal Ripken Major/70 division. Hundreds of young, talented baseball teams from around the world will start the 2017 season sharing one goal, but only 18 of those teams will survive and advance to the Cal Ripken World Series. And while in Branson, those teams will face their biggest challenge – a tournament of champions that will narrow the field from 18 down to one to determine a World Champion.

Branson, Missouri, located in the Ozark Mountains, has long been a popular destination for vacationers. There is an adventure awaiting everyone. In addition to the numerous theaters for which Branson is famous, other local attractions include award-winning golf courses,Hollywood Wax Museum, Silver Dollar City, White Water, Waltzing Waters, Wineries, Ride the Ducks, Dolly Parton’s Dixie Stampede, Ziplines, Cave Tours, National Tiger Sanctuary, Go-Karts, Mini-Golf, Horseback Rides, Butterfly Palace & Rainforest Adventure, and three pristine lakes. Ripley’s Odditorium is housed in a building that has been made to look as if it is cracked open wide open by an earthquake or other disaster, while the Titanic Museum Attraction is a half-scale replica of the famous ship and iceberg.

Ballparks of America is the only facility to feature 2/3 replicas of five iconic stadiums spanning the history of baseball. They are patterned after several classic ballparks, including Busch Stadium, Wrigley Field, Tiger Stadium, Fenway Park, and Ebbets Field. Each of these historic gems had unusual dimensions and elements that created a unique playing environment, which has been re-created at the Ballparks of America facility. Each field features the latest technology in synthetic turf for a more consistent playing surface, and has covered dugouts, bullpen areas, MLB-style team suites, and stadium quality lights.

“We are excited to bring the 2017Cal Ripken Major/70 World Series to Branson,” said Babe Ruth League Vice President Robert Faherty, Jr.“The Cal Ripken World Series is not just about the baseball. It’s about the community and fans from around the world who come to interact with one another. In awarding a World Series, we look for an area that in addition to offering a competitive athletic experience, can also offer a diverse cultural and educational experience. Branson, with its reputation as a major tourist destination that is as rich in history as it is in entertainment, certainly meets all of the requirements to offer a fun and memorable time for all who take part in the World Series.”

“Branson is a warm and friendly family destination that will deliver a memorable experience for the Babe Ruth League,” said Jeff Seifried, President/CEO, Branson/Lakes Area Chamber of Commerce/CVB. “Every year Trivago.com chooses 50 Best Value cities and this year Branson took first place – making it the Best Value City in America. So, parents, grandparents, aunts, uncles and cousins can all come and see their ballplayer on the field in Branson. There is so much to see and do; from live entertainment to outdoor fun. Arrive early, stay late or between games!”

Babe Ruth League, Inc. is a non-profit, educational organization dedicated to developing better citizens by providing properly supervised baseball and softball competition for 4 through 18-year-old players. It is the basic intent of Babe Ruth League that every player who has a desire to play the sport is given the opportunity to participate and have fun.